Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Memphis BBQ Glaze

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Delicate catfish fillets pan-seared and finished with a smoky, spicy Memphis-style barbecue glaze, perfect for a Southern-inspired dinner. This southern-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs fillets (6 oz each) catfish fillets, olive oil, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southern cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 catfish fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned catfish fillets and sear for 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through; the flesh should flake easily with a fork.
  3. Step 3: While the catfish cooks, combine 1/3 cup ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tsp hot sauce in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Remove the catfish from the skillet and brush each fillet generously with the spicy Memphis BBQ glaze. Serve immediately with extra glaze on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Memphis BBQ Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Memphis BBQ Glaze?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Memphis BBQ Glaze?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Memphis BBQ Glaze for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Catfish with Spicy Memphis BBQ Glaze?

Southern seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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